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CHISLEHURST METHODIST CHURCH

CHRISTMAS 2014 www.chislehurstmethodistchurch.org.uk

CONTENTS

Carol Singing

Minister’s Christmas Reflection

Christmas Appeal

Old photos of the church

Guide to the Trees

Finances – How are we doing?

Dates for your diary

Dick Whittington

Grove Singers

Messy Church at Christmas

Chislehurst Methodist Church at Christmas

CHISLEHURST CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

Sat 29th Festival Fun Day

12noon Tree Festival opens Christmas Fair, with stalls, activities, lunches and refreshment 2pm Chislehurst Festival of Dance

2.00 Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance 2.30 Dartford and Bexley Baby Ballet 3.00 Quick Steps Dance School 3.30 Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance

Sun 30th 12noon - 4pm Tree Festival open Mon 1st – Fri 5th 10am - 4pm Tree Festival open SPECIAL EVENTS Tue 2nd 8pm The Grove Singers sing amongst the trees. Refreshments from 7.30 Thurs 4th 10 – 12.30 Coffee Morning Sat 6th 10am - 4pm Tree Festival open Sun 7th 12noon - 4pm Tree Festival open

CAROL SINGING

Every year members of our church go out carol singing to raise money for Action for Children.

In the last 10 years we have raised over £16,620 singing on the streets of Chislehurst and at Bond Street underground station. Sadly we cannot sing at Bond Street this year because of Crossrail works so we will be singing at Bromley South Station instead on Saturday, 6th December from 12noon until 3pm and in Chislehurst High Street on Saturday, 20th December from 11am until 1230pm. Please come, if only for part of the time.

Some of us have been carol singing here for over 40 years and it's an enjoyable experience for all ages and a valuable part of our work. We very much need both singers and collectors please.

Last year we sang at Bond Street tube station, where it was warm and dry; and Chislehurst High Street, where it was not!

We should be singing in the ticket hall at Bromley South unless they ask us to move outside if we're too noisy (!)

Last year, despite the weather in the High Street, the singing went on! We collected £220 in very wet money, making £1335 in total for Action for Children last Christmas.

DELIVERING HOPE THIS CHRISTMAS At Christmas we celebrate the safe arrival of God’s promised Saviour and Son, Jesus Christ. Here, in the Western world, we celebrate as we fill our homes, shops, streets, churches with lights and festive cheer and offer our praise and worship at Christmas services. The light and joy of Christmas will be even more welcome after a year which seems to have been particularly dark, and not just with the onset of winter. Death, destruction and disease have caused untold suffering with the conflict in Syria and Iraq, the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, people living in fear of their lives with attacks and kidnappings of the innocent in Nigeria and violent conflict in South Sudan. Meanwhile multinational companies dodge millions in tax depriving poor countries of the money they need to pay for healthcare and education, and these poorest countries who did the least to cause climate change are taking the brunt of its effects. In our own country we continue to see obscene bonuses for those who are already rich while the poorest are made to suffer the impact of severe austerity measures driving ever increasing numbers to Foodbanks. It is a gloomy picture indeed. But it was into a gloomy world of suffering and conflict into which the Christ child was born over 2000 years ago in Palestine. Amidst the dark and gloom the birth of a child brings hope. This year I have had personal experience of just that. In the middle of a difficult time for us personally a new grandson was born. And here he is…Wilbur Thomas born 9th November sleeping peacefully in a safe and secure home. As we remember Mary’s arduous and life-threatening journey to Bethlehem, we sigh with relief that it is so different for us today. But sadly, for thousands of women in Kenya, the dangers and struggles experienced by the young mother of our Saviour are all too real. Less than half of all births in Kenya are attended by a medical professional. Every day, 40 women die in childbirth or from pregnancy related complications. Every year 14,700 babies die on their first day. One maternal and child health project in Narok country, south west Kenya, is reversing this trend on a massive scale. A project supported by Christian Aid is training more than 1000 community health workers, renovating and equipping maternal health facilities and introducing ambulance services for remote communities and educating communities in antenatal and post natal health. One Kenyan mother, Fridah Mwari said ‘I thought if I had another baby I would die’. Fridah said ‘Nobody told me what would happen or what was going on when I went into labour with my first baby’. Fridha’s husband Gerald didn’t know what to expect either and so wasn’t able to offer much help. Fridah’s second pregnancy was very different. She joined a mother support group run by Christian Aid’s

local partner organisation, she learned about the importance of regular check-ups, about breast feeding, hygiene and nutrition. Gerald also went to a father support group. This time he knew how to help. . This Christmas, we can save more lives in childbirth, now and for years to come. Our church is joining with thousands of others to pray for women across the world and raise money for the Christian Aid Christmas Appeal at our Christmas tree festival.

This baby boy was delivered safely in hospital in Kenya after his mother arrived by motorbike at 4am.

Love and danger Christmas Day: angels and stars, shepherds and travellers, a new born child. An old story full of love and danger, laying bare the beauty of an amazing God.

Barbara Calvert

BLAST FROM THE PAST 1885

1915

GUIDE TO

Many thanks to all those who have entered trees into our Christmas Tree Festival. It really is a success. Thank you for your support, whether it is as a visitor or as an exhibitor.

Montbelle School

Popchoir Quick Steps Dance School

JMA

Tree for

Peace

Chislehurst Methodist Church

Guides

Rainbows

Caterpillar

Music

Knit and Knatter

Scales Housegroup

Barbara and David

Calvert

Thompson’s Nurseries

Louis Baron

Gillian Beecher Bryant

Badminton Club

Michelle Sidwell Academy of Dance

Women’s Institute

Village Nurseries

CHURCH ENTRANCE

THE TREES

As you go round you will be amazed at the decorations. And sometimes, less is best. It all depends on the tree, the organisation and the message. That is what makes the Festival so special. It isn’t a competition, just a display for all ages to enjoy. We know that, as the week proceeds, there will be many youngsters wandering around spell- bound. And they will be SO well behaved. The plan was printed before we saw all the trees, so please understand if a particular tree is in a different place to where it is shown on the plan.

We are happy to receive voluntary donations which will go to the Christian Aid appeal for childbirth care in Kenya.

St. Nicholas School

Chislehurst Society

Bromley National Childbirth Trust

Monkey Music

Monday Focus

Baby Ballet

Knitivity Bee Fun

Fitness

Junior Church

Powerhoops Boys Brigade

Herriot House Group

Messy Church

FINANCES – HOW ARE WE DOING?

Sometimes the treasurer is asked, “How are we doing?” Presumably those who enquire are looking for indication of whether there is need for any concern relating to meeting the expenses incurred by the church. Do you pause to wonder what it costs to support the work we do and maintain the premises? To meet regular running costs, the minimum we need is £2,000 per week. For the current year 2014/15 the budgeted costs are grouped under the following headings:

Circuit Assessment* 40,000.00

Church Administrator 15,400.00

Cleaning 10,900.00

Insurance 9,500.00

Property: regular maintenance 9,000.00

Gas/Electricity/Water 8,200.00

Office/Telephone/Postage/Licenses 4,000.00

Donations to charities 2,300.00

Worship materials/Junior Church 2,000.00

Organ/Preaching fees 1,000.00

Benevolent/Sundries 1,200.00

Total 103,500.00

*The Circuit assessment represents our share in the cost of supporting the four Circuit ministers, maintaining their homes, covering their travel and other expenses; providing training courses and resources, a contribution to the services which London District provides and also the services provided by the Methodist Connexion.

Of the income we received to August 2014 just over £27,000 was donated through Sunday collections and standing orders. (Sadly this is over £1,000 lower than the previous year.) To this can be added the gift aid received on tax payer contributions. Various fund raising activities and undesignated donations produce another resource, with the majority of our income (£59,000) arising from letting the premises. An income of £2,000 per week does not allow for any increased provision for mission and outreach to the community we serve, or ongoing improvement to the premises beyond regular maintenance, so we need to consider ways in which we might increase our income stream, to facilitate new work. Of course, money is not the only way we contribute. Many people willingly give of their time, skills, prayers and so much more in furthering the work of the church, for which we are deeply indebted.

Needless to say, recently a great deal of time, effort and energy has been focused on the refurbishment. That financial commitment is now complete, so I encourage members and friends to give prayerful consideration to how they will continue to support the work of the church going forward, for it would be good to see the regular contributions increasing. Time does not stand still. There are many opportunities to be grasped requiring both dedication and financial resources. God calls us in all sorts of ways to carry his work forward. God speaks to each one of us. By achieving what we have in recent years, we have demonstrated we are prepared to respond. He will call us again. Let us be prepared to use our gifts, our talents, our money and prayers to ensure our Church continues to witness to the community it serves. Joan Mayes Treasurer Analysis of giving through Sunday collections from September 2013 – August 2014: Envelope system: cash and cheques (mostly cash): £19,000 Sunday open collection and coffee money: £3,000 Credits to the bank through Standing Orders and cheques to treasurer: £5,000 To set up a standing order is easy. It saves the inconvenience of making sure you have sufficient cash to put in the weekly envelope. Majority of people using this system make a monthly payment. If you would like to switch to this method of contributing to the church please speak to the treasurer, who will provide the church bank account details, or pick up a form from the office.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

CHRISTINGLE On Sunday 14th December at 10.30am, we have our Christingle Service. A Christingle Service is a wonderful celebration, where each child receives a decorated orange. The Christingle has its origins in the Moravian Church, but the representation of the four seasons was a later addition. At Christmas 1747 in Germany, Bishop Johannes de Watteville thought about how he could explain the love of Jesus and what Christmas really means to the children in the church. He decided to make a simple symbol to express the message of Christmas in a fresh and lively way. Pastor Johannes de Watteville gave each child a lighted candle wrapped in a red ribbon, with a prayer that said "Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these dear children's hearts".

CAROL SERVICE CHOIR – 4pm SUNDAY 21st

DECEMBER Anyone reading this who wants to be part of this Festival Choir is very welcome to come. Remaining rehearsals are as follows: after the morning service on 30th November and 14th December for about half an hour, and on the day at 2.45. You must be prepared to come to at least 2 of these. More details week by week in the Notices or from Gillian Beecher Bryant on 020 8467 6906 Do come!

CHURCH CLEAN The church will need to look its best for Christmas. It will have had a huge footfall during early December with school nativity services, the Christmas tree festival and a blood donor session. A cleaning morning is planned for Thursday 18th December from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Please come to help even if you can only spare half an hour.

CHURCH FAMILY PARTY On Saturday 31st January, we will be having a church family party, to which all are invited. More details nearer the time.

PLANT SALE The Plant Sale will be here again in May (9th), so please keep that in mind when working in the garden or planting up seeds early in the new year and when you tidy the shed. Thanks Adrienne and Gillian BB

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK pantomime at the Greenwich Theatre, Crooms

Hill SE10 8ES on Friday 12th December at 6:30pm. St Nicholas Primary School PTA have booked an exclusive showing of the panto and will have the whole theatre to themselves with all seats half price and the offer can be shared amongst friends, groups and churches linked to the school. Tickets are priced at just £13.50 each. Parking is free after 6pm just 200 yards from the theatre. If you would like tickets to the show please contact Helen Baylis on 07958958956

LEAVES Can anyone help clear the leaves in the church garden as I am a little

indisposed at the moment. There are receptacles in the side garden. Many thanks, Adrienne.

NEW ELTHAM METHODIST CHURCH & COMMUNITY CENTRE

435-439 Footscray Road, New Eltham, London, SE9 3UL

Present their annual pantomime

Saturday 10th January

at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Friday 16th January at 7:30pm

Saturday 17th January

at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

ALL SEATS £8 GENEROUS DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS

www.newelthampantomime.co.uk

A Group from Chislehurst Methodist Church will attend on Sat 17

th. Please contact Elaine Battarbee to reserve your ticket.

020 8300 0527 or ecbattarbee@btinternet.com

THE GROVE

SINGERS Tue 2nd December 8pm

Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine and Mince pies served from 7.30pm.

Seasonal music amongst the

trees

CHISLEHURST METHODIST CHURCH

Prince Imperial Road, Chislehurst, BR7 5LX

Saturday 13th December, 4-6 pm

Join us to make Christmas crafts and decorations.

Afterwards we’ll hear the Christmas Story and finish with a family tea.

For further information please email: messychurchbr7@yahoo.co.uk

or telephone 020 8468 7695

FREE ENTRY

Messy Church is supported by Chislehurst Methodist Church although any

donations on the door are gratefully received to support our craft activities.

CHISLEHURST METHODIST CHURCH AT CHRISTMAS

Sat 29

th Nov 12 – 4pm Christmas Tree Festival

12 – 4pm Christmas Fair 2 – 4pm Chislehurst Festival of Dance Sun 30

th Nov 10.30am Service for Advent Sunday

12 noon to 4pm Christmas Tree Festival Mon 1st – Fri 5th 10am to 4pm Christmas Tree Festival Tue 2

nd 8pm Grove Singers sing amongst the trees.

Mulled wine and mince pies from 7.30pm Thur 4

th 10 – 1230 Coffee and Mince Pies

7.30 Bromley Youth Music Trust Concert Sat 6

th 10am to 4pm Christmas Tree Festival

Sat 6

th Carol singing at Bromley South station

Sun 7

th 10.30am Service for 2nd Sunday in Advent with Holy

Communion 12 noon – 4pm Christmas Tree Festival Sat 13

th 4 – 6pm Messy Church

Sun 14

th 10.30am All Age Christingle Service

Sat 20

th 11.00am – 12.30 Carol singing in the High Street

Sun 21

st 10.30am Service for 4

th Sunday in Advent

4pm Carols by Candlelight followed by tea and mince pies Thur 25

th 11.00 am Christmas Day Service for all the family

Chislehurst Methodist Church Prince Imperial Road Chislehurst Kent BR7 5LX chismch@talktalk.net 020 8468 7695 www.chislehurstmethodistchurch.org.uk